Speeches were delivered after the exchange, and the Mages, usually haughty and self-assured, were made to stand in a formal gesture of respect, bowing their heads to the Knights' benches.
It was a humbling moment, one that left the Mages' faces tight with suppressed frustration, though none dared protest under Mrs. Georgina's stern gaze.
The Knights, meanwhile, couldn't contain their joy. After the ceremony, they spilled into the courtyard, their laughter and boasts echoing off the stone walls.
The camaraderie was electric, a rare moment of unity that even the most stoic Knights couldn't resist joining.
But Adrian didn't linger amidst the cheers and backslaps.
His mind was already elsewhere, ticking through a mental checklist of tasks he needed to complete before tomorrow's travel.
